Historic Balinese Room destroyed by Ike
posted by Free Press Houston @ 11:12 AM
photo copyright Lynsey P. Tamborello
Galveston's Historic Balinese Room was completely destroyed by last night's storm. Frequented by the likes of Frank Sinatra, George Burns, Howard Hughes, The Rat Pack, and The Marx Brothers, The Balinese had a well earned reputation of more than 75 years as a Texas treasure. The spot was memorialized by ZZTop in late 70's with song 'Down at the Balinese'. Situated right on the seawall between the Flagship Hotel and that famous trinket shop, the building was basically turned into a heap of scrap wood early yesterday as a result of the storm surge. The place has been rebuilt before but has never been completely destroyed before.
6 Comments:
Dude that was the weakest-sauce news I'd heard all day.
thank everyone for your thoughts and sympathy--the balinese room lives on in them--sincerely--scott arnold--owner--balinese room balineseroom@sbcglobal.net
We wish you the best Scott- Let us know what your plans are.
Definitely the end of an era. So sad.
We had many a good time there and will dearly miss the place.
Thank you Scott Arnold for restoring the Balinese and giving us seven WONDERFUL years.
From the Houston swing dance community.
My grandfather worked at the balinese room long ago, when gambling went on there, when Nat King Cole was on the jukebox...so sad to see it go. Every time I drove by I would think of him and how he would tell of working along side Santos Cruz...Would be wonderful to see it resurrected...I've seen so much balinese memorabilia on ebay and such, i bet there would be enough to re-create it. There should be an unofficial historical marker in that spot! If you tear down the awning that still remains, I'd love a little slice to remember my grandpa by. queendolsen@aol.com.
My grandfather was Sam Maceo and when hurricane ike destroyed the Balinese, it distroyed a legacy for my future generations that now can only be passed on thru memories & stories. It is like loosing a love one! My family and many others I am sure will miss it!!!
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